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Technical artist vs 3d artist

The differences between technical artists and 3d artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a technical artist and a 3d artist. Additionally, a technical artist has an average salary of $90,692, which is higher than the $74,721 average annual salary of a 3d artist.

The top three skills for a technical artist include python, animation and C++. The most important skills for a 3d artist are animation, unity, and zbrush.

Technical artist vs 3d artist overview

Technical Artist3D Artist
Yearly salary$90,692$74,721
Hourly rate$43.60$35.92
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs70,6963,978
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a technical artist do?

Technical artists are employees with an artistic streak and an in-depth knowledge of programming. They are usually employed to work on video games and other related media. They are expected to understand the technical aspects of both sides of the project: the art and the system behind it. They are involved in the creation of storyboards, art palettes, and animation schemes. They are also involved in the creation of the codes and programs to make the video game work. As such, they know how to balance the needs of both sides. They should be able to determine the feasibility of various elements in the project.

What does a 3d artist do?

A 3D Artist uses complex software to develop graphics and animations for use in various media, such as video games, television shows, and multimedia presentations. They often work in teams, dividing project workloads in accordance to strengths.

Technical artist vs 3d artist salary

Technical artists and 3d artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Artist3D Artist
Average salary$90,692$74,721
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $141,000Between $47,000 And $116,000
Highest paying CityNovato, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaNevada
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyUtilities

Differences between technical artist and 3d artist education

There are a few differences between a technical artist and a 3d artist in terms of educational background:

Technical Artist3D Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorGraphic DesignAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Technical artist vs 3d artist demographics

Here are the differences between technical artists' and 3d artists' demographics:

Technical Artist3D Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between technical artist and 3d artist duties and responsibilities

Technical artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage Unity3D assets for game prototype.
  • Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
  • Create 2D / 3D art assets for PC and PlayStation 3 video games.
  • Fill numerous roles as needed from UI & FX, to environment art, implementation, and tool authoring.
  • Design, develop and support software tools for animation production pipeline.
  • Write tools in Mel for the art team.
  • Show more

3d artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
  • Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
  • Generate programs for CNC punch press.
  • Help team create nodes for nuke.
  • Contract as a 3D visualization designer & animator.
  • Show more

Technical artist vs 3d artist skills

Common technical artist skills
  • Python, 17%
  • Animation, 10%
  • C++, 8%
  • Unity, 7%
  • MEL, 6%
  • Game Development, 4%
Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%

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